Turf Transition
When nighttime, low temperatures in the Valley remain above 60 degrees, the Bermuda grass, which has been dormant all winter, begins to grow. As daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees, the rye grass will begin to recede. It is during this transition period where both types of grass compete for space and water. The transition from Rye grass to Bermuda grass is a gradual process that lasts from the beginning of April through the end of May. All the grass in the common areas should be primarily Bermuda grass by the beginning of June.
You can expect to see changes in the turf areas throughout the transition period. The irrigation watering times will be monitored closely to encourage the Bermuda grass to grow instead of the Rye. We gradually lower the decks of our mowers from 2” down to 1.25”. Lowering the mower heights does not hurt the Bermuda, but will serve to force the Rye to die off. As the Rye grass dies off, the turf may appear off color or yellow and there may even be some distinct areas that appear dry. This is a temporary condition that improves as the Bermuda grass fills in. In some areas where the Rye grass dies off it forms a thick mat. This is easily removed with a verticutting machine as necessary.
The Bermuda should be actively growing at the beginning of May. At this point the water will be increased and we will apply an appropriate warm weather fertilizer to promote healthy turf.
